Brabus upgrades Mercedes-Benz SL Roadster

September 12, 2012

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German tuner Brabus has added the 2013 Mercedes-BenzSL Roadster to its stable of upgradable cars. The horsepower wizards from Bottrop, Germany, wrung 520 hp from the SL's 4.7-liter bi-turbo V8, which should be good enough for a top speed of 186 mph.

The Brabus B20 PowerXtra module is responsible for the 85-hp increase and the 88 lb-ft of extra torque. The plug-and-play device remaps the injection and ignition timing and increases boost. The package also includes a water-to-air intercooler with an electric pump. That drops the intake air temperature, which adds to the power and increases component longevity, according to Brabus. The extra power lowers the SL's 0-62 mph time from 4.6 seconds to 4.4 seconds. A Vmax unit overrides the stock speed limiter.

All that power goes through Brabus Monoblock wheels in sizes ranging from 18 to 20 inches. The company recommends Continental, Pirelli or Yokohama tires. Brabus partnered with Bilstein for the suspension upgrades, which include sport springs and a lower ride height for cars with adaptive suspension. A limited-slip differential with a locking rate of 40 percent is also available.

As part of the package or à la carte, a stainless-steel sport exhaust is offered with four chrome tailpipes. Soon, the company will offer an exhaust with a butterfly valve controlled by a button on the steering wheel. That way, motorists can ride along stealthily or open up the pipes for maximum engine sound.

Pricing for the power package is $9,060. The body kit, including three pieces costs $5,635 while the sport exhaust will set you back $3,378. That's on top of the price of a new Mercedes SL, which currently checks in at $106,405, including destination.